Full History Of Eli Lilly and Company In Timeline From 1905

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1905: Large Expansion and $1 Million in Annual Sales

In 1905, under J. K. Lilly's oversight, Eli Lilly underwent a significant expansion and achieved annual sales of $1 million.

1906: Aid to San Francisco Earthquake Victims

In 1906, following the San Francisco earthquake, Eli Lilly continued its tradition of civic mindedness by sending much-needed medicine to support recovery efforts.

1909: Introduction of Blueprinting Manufacturing Tickets

In 1909, Eli Lilly, grandson of the company's founder, introduced a method for blueprinting manufacturing tickets. This method created multiple copies of a drug formula and helped eliminate manufacturing and transcription errors.

1911: Opening of Science Building

In 1911, as part of expanded manufacturing facilities at its McCarty Street plant, Eli Lilly opened a new Science Building (Building 14), which improved production capacity.

1913: Opening of Capsule Plant and Construction of Lilly Biological Laboratories

In 1913, Eli Lilly opened a new capsule plant (Building 15) at its McCarty Street plant. In the same year, the company began construction of Lilly Biological Laboratories, a research and manufacturing plant on 150 acres near Greenfield, Indiana.

1917: Lilly Field Hospital 32 Equipped

In 1917, Lilly Field Hospital 32, named in Josiah's honor, was equipped in Indianapolis and moved overseas to Contrexville, France, during World War I.

1917: Description of Lilly as Largest Capsule Factory

In 1917, Scientific American described Eli Lilly as 'the largest capsule factory in the world' and reported that the company was 'capable of producing 2.5 million capsules a day'.

1919: Hiring of George Henry Alexander Clowes

In 1919, Eli Lilly hired George Henry Alexander Clowes as director of biochemical research.

1919: Lilly Field Hospital 32 Operations End

In 1919, Lilly Field Hospital 32, which had been operating in Contrexville, France, during World War I, ceased operations.

1923: Nobel Prize Awarded for Insulin Research

In 1923, Banting and Macleod were awarded the Nobel Prize for their research, which they subsequently shared with co-discoverers Charles Best and James Collip. Insulin became the most important drug in the company's history, making Lilly one of the major pharmaceutical manufacturers in the world.

1923: Sale of Iletin

In 1923, Eli Lilly began selling Iletin, its tradename for the first commercially available insulin product in the U.S. for the treatment of diabetes. Despite objections from the Insulin Committee of the University of Toronto, production continued under this name, and the objection was later dropped as a concession.

June 1924: Frederick Stearns Enters the Market

In June 1924, Frederick Stearns & Co., became the first of the new American licensees, and entered the insulin market, ending Eli Lilly and Company's effective monopoly on the sale of insulin in the U.S. for almost two years.

1926: Opening of Building 22

In 1926, Building 22, a new five-floor plant opened in Indianapolis, implementing the straight-line production concept to improve production efficiency and lower production costs. This enhanced the manufacturing process and allowed the company to hire a regular workforce.

1926: 50th Anniversary

In 1926, for the company's 50th anniversary, sales had reached $9 million and it was producing over 2,800 products, largely due to the success of Insulin.

1928: Introduction of Liver Extract 343

In 1928, Eli Lilly introduced Liver Extract 343 for the treatment of pernicious anemia in a joint venture with two Harvard University scientists, George Minot and William P. Murphy.

1930: Introduction of Liver Extract No. 55

In 1930, Eli Lilly introduced Liver Extract No. 55 in collaboration with George Whipple, a University of Rochester scientist.

1930: Launch of Merthiolate

In 1930, Lilly launched merthiolate, a mercury-based antiseptic and germicide.

1932: Sales Rise and Eli Lilly Appointed President

In 1932, despite the economic challenges of the Great Depression, Lilly's sales rose to $13 million. Also in 1932, Eli Lilly, eldest grandson of Col. Lilly, was named as the company's president, succeeding his father.

1934: Establishment of First Overseas Subsidiary

In 1934, Eli Lilly and Company Limited, the company's first overseas subsidiary, was established in London, and a manufacturing plant was opened in Basingstoke.

1934: Construction of new research laboratory

In 1934, Eli Lilly built a new research laboratory in Indianapolis, and began conducting clinical studies at Indianapolis City Hospital as part of its research and product development process.

1934: Opening of New Facilities

In 1934, Eli Lilly opened two new facilities on the McCarty Street complex: a replica of Lilly's 1876 laboratory and the new Lilly Research Laboratories, 'one of the most fully equipped facilities in the world.'

1934: Nobel Prize for Liver Extract Research

In 1934, Minot, Murphy, and Whipple were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their research, which led to Eli Lilly's development of Liver Extract 343 and Liver Extract No. 55.

1936: Relief After Johnstown Flood

In 1936, Eli Lilly provided relief to victims following the Johnstown Flood, continuing the company tradition of aiding disaster victims.

1937: Lilly Endowment Founded

In 1937, Josiah K. Lilly Sr. and his two sons, Eli and Joe, founded the Lilly Endowment, a private charitable foundation, with gifts of Lilly stock.

1943: Formation of Eli Lilly International Corp.

In 1943, Eli Lilly International Corp. was formed as a subsidiary to encourage business trade abroad.

1944: Company reorganization

In 1944, Eli Lilly announced a company reorganization to prepare for future expansion and separate company management from its ownership. The corporation was divided into smaller groups headed by vice presidents.

1945: Major Expansion Effort

In 1945, Eli Lilly began a major expansion effort that included two manufacturing operations in Indianapolis, purchasing the Curtiss-Wright propeller plant.

1947: Introduction of Dolophine

In 1947, Eli Lilly introduced methadone, marketed under the trade name "Dolophine", to the United States after acquiring the rights to produce the drug commercially due to the seizure of German patents following World War II.

1947: Kentucky Avenue Renovation Completion

In mid-1947, renovation of the Kentucky Avenue location was completed, facilitating the manufacturing of antibiotics and capsules and housing the company's shipping department.

1948: Increased Employment

By 1948, Eli Lilly employed nearly 7,000 people, reflecting its continued growth and expansion.

1948: Global Expansion

By 1948, Eli Lilly employees worked in 35 countries, mostly as sales representatives in Latin America, Asia, and Africa, continuing its international expansion.

1948: Eli Lilly Retirement and Josiah K. Lilly Jr. Presidency

In 1948, Eli Lilly retired from active management and became chairman of the board, relinquishing the presidency to his brother, Josiah K. Lilly Jr. During Eli's 16-year presidency, sales rose from $13 million in 1932 to $117 million in 1948.

1949: Partnership with the United States Army Reserve

In 1949, Eli Lilly partnered with the United States Army Reserve to establish a local Strategic Intelligence Research and Analysis (SIRA) Unit. This unit allowed employees to research company data for scientific logistics and Eurasian fields of study.

1950: Launch of Tippecanoe Laboratories

In 1950, Eli Lilly launched Tippecanoe Laboratories in Lafayette, Indiana, and increased antibiotic production with its patent on erythromycin.

1952: First Public Shares of Stock

In 1952, Eli Lilly offered its first public shares of stock, which are traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

1953: Eugene N. Beesley Named President

In 1953, Eugene N. Beesley was named the company's new president, the first non-family member to run the company.

1953: Reorganization and Global Expansion

In 1953, following a company reorganization and transition to non-family management, Lilly continued to expand its global presence.

1954: Formation of Elanco Products Company

In 1954, Eli Lilly formed Elanco Products Company, named after its parent company, for the production of veterinary pharmaceuticals.

1954: Contract for Polio Vaccine Production

In 1954, the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, contracted with five pharmaceutical companies, including Lilly, to produce Salk's polio vaccine for clinical trials.

1955: Mass Production of Polio Vaccine

In 1955, Eli Lilly became the first company to mass-produce the polio vaccine developed by Jonas Salk.

1955: Polio Vaccine Production

In 1955, Lilly manufactured 60 percent of Salk's polio vaccine, making a significant contribution to the widespread availability of the vaccine.

1962: Acquisition of The Distillers Company

In 1962, Eli Lilly and Company acquired The Distillers Company and established a major factory in Liverpool, England.

1966: Valley of the Dolls Novel Release

In 1966, Jacqueline Susann's novel "Valley of the Dolls" was released, featuring secobarbital as a central part of the plot where three successful Hollywood women fall victim to the drug.

1968: Establishment of Lilly Research Centre

In 1968, Eli Lilly and Company built its first research facility outside the United States, named the Lilly Research Centre, in Surrey, England.

1968: Eli Lilly and Company Foundation Established

In 1968, the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation was established as a tax-exempt private charitable foundation funded through Lilly's corporate profits.

June 1969: Death of Judy Garland due to Secobarbital overdose

In June 1969, actress Judy Garland died from a secobarbital overdose.

1969: Opening of new plant in Clinton, Indiana

In 1969, Eli Lilly and Company opened a new plant in Clinton, Indiana.

1969: Lilly family members serve as chairman of the board until 1969

In 1969, Lilly family members continued to serve as chairman of the board.

September 1970: Death of Jimi Hendrix due to Secobarbital overdose

In September 1970, rock guitarist legend Jimi Hendrix died from a secobarbital overdose.

1971: Company becomes a component of the S&P 500 Index and acquisition of Elizabeth Arden, Inc.

In 1971, Eli Lilly and Company became a component of the S&P 500 Index. Also in 1971, Lilly acquired cosmetic manufacturer Elizabeth Arden, Inc. for $38 million.

1971: Keflex drug production

In 1971, Eli Lilly and Company began producing Keflex, an antibiotic drug.

1972: Richard Donald Wood becomes Lilly's president and CEO

In 1972, Richard Donald Wood became Lilly's president and CEO after the retirement of Burton E. Beck.

1977: Dobutrex drug production

In 1977, Eli Lilly and Company began producing Dobutrex, a cardiogenic shock heart drug.

1977: Acquisition of IVAC Corporation and Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.

In 1977, Eli Lilly and Company ventured into medical instruments with the acquisition of IVAC Corporation and Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.

1979: Ceclore drug production

In 1979, Eli Lilly and Company began producing Ceclore, which ultimately became the world's top-selling oral antibiotic.

1980: Acquisition of Physio-Control

In 1980, Eli Lilly and Company acquired Physio-Control, a pioneering company in defibrillation.

1982: Elizabeth Arden's sales and profits rise

By 1982, Elizabeth Arden's sales were up 90 percent from 1978, with profits doubling to nearly $30 million.

1984: Acquisition of Advance Cardiovascular Systems

In 1984, Eli Lilly and Company acquired Advance Cardiovascular Systems.

1986: Acquisition of Hybritech

In 1986, Eli Lilly and Company acquired Hybritech.

1986: Introduction of Prozac

In 1986, Eli Lilly introduced Prozac (fluoxetine), a drug used to treat clinical depression.

1986: Randall L. Tobias joins Lilly board

In 1986, Randall L. Tobias, a vice chairman of AT&T Corporation, became a Lilly board member.

1987: Sale of Elizabeth Arden to Fabergé

In 1987, 16 years after acquiring it, Eli Lilly and Company sold Elizabeth Arden to Fabergé for $657 million.

1987: FDA approves Prozac

In 1987, the US FDA approved Prozac for use in treating depression.

September 1989: Joseph Wesbecker Incident and Prozac Controversy

In September 1989, Joseph T. Wesbecker killed eight people and injured twelve before committing suicide. His relatives and victims blamed his actions on the Prozac medication he had begun taking a month prior, leading to lawsuits and public outcry.

1989: Acquisition of Devices for Vascular Intervention

In 1989, Eli Lilly and Company acquired Devices for Vascular Intervention.

1989: Joint agrochemical venture: DowElanco

In 1989, a joint agrochemical venture between Elanco and Dow Chemical created DowElanco.

1990: Acquisition of Pacific Biotech

In 1990, Eli Lilly and Company acquired Pacific Biotech.

1991: Vaughn Bryson becomes president and CEO

In 1991, Vaughn Bryson became president and CEO and Wood became board chairman. During Bryson's 20-month tenure as Lilly's president and CEO, the company reported its first quarterly loss as a publicly traded company.

1991: Vaughn Bryson named CEO

In 1991, Vaughn Bryson was named CEO of Eli Lilly and Company.

1992: Acquisition of Origin Medsystems and Heart Rhythm Technologies

In 1992, Eli Lilly and Company acquired Origin Medsystems and Heart Rhythm Technologies.

1992: Erosion of Lilly's stock price

Since early 1992, product and competitive pressures had steadily eroded Eli Lilly and Company's stock price.

June 1993: Randall L. Tobias named chairman, president, and CEO

In June 1993, Randall L. Tobias, was named chairman, president, and CEO, replacing Vaughn Bryson at the urging of Bryson's predecessor and then board chairman Richard Wood.

1993: Randall L. Tobias named chairman, president, and CEO

In 1993, Randall L. Tobias, vice chairman of AT&T Corporation, was named Eli Lilly and Company's chairman, president, and CEO.

1994: Acquisition of PCS Systems

In 1994, Eli Lilly and Company acquired PCS Systems, the largest drug benefits health maintenance organization at the time, for $4 billion.

1996: Introduction of Zyprexa and Humalog

In 1996, Eli Lilly introduced two drugs: Zyprexa (olanzapine), an antipsychotic medication, and Humalog (insulin lispro), a diabetes drug.

1996: Release of Zyprexa

In 1996, Zyprexa (Olanzapine) was released for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, as well as off-label uses.

1996: FDA approves Gemzar

In 1996, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved gemcitabine (Gemzar) for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

1997: Largest Corporation and Charitable Benefactor in Indiana

As of 1997, Eli Lilly and Company was the largest corporation and the largest charitable benefactor in the state of Indiana.

1997: Sale of share in DowElanco

In 1997, Eli Lilly and Company sold its 40% share in DowElanco to Dow Chemical for $1.2 billion, and the name was changed to Dow AgroSciences.

July 1998: Sidney Taurel named CEO

In July 1998, Sidney Taurel, former chief operating officer of Lilly, was named CEO to replace Tobias, who retired.

1998: Dedication of new clinical research laboratories

In 1998, Eli Lilly dedicated new laboratories for clinical research at the Indiana University Medical Center in Indianapolis.

1998: Sidney Taurel named CEO and joint venture with Icos Corporation

In 1998, Sidney Taurel was named CEO of Eli Lilly and Company, replacing Tobias. Also in 1998, Lilly formed a joint venture with Icos Corporation (ICOS) to develop and commercialize Cialis.

January 1999: Sidney Taurel becomes chairman of the board

In January 1999, Sidney Taurel became chairman of the board.

January 1999: Taurel named chairman

In January 1999, Sidney Taurel was named chairman of Eli Lilly and Company.

1999: Lilly ceases manufacturing Secobarbital

In 1999, Lilly ceased manufacturing Secobarbital, marketed under the brand name Seconal, due to the onset of new therapies for the treatment of conditions it was used for.

2000: Reported net sales

In 2000, Eli Lilly and Company reported $10.86 billion in net sales.

September 2002: Partnership with Amylin Pharmaceuticals

In September 2002, Eli Lilly and Company agreed to partner with Amylin Pharmaceuticals to develop and commercialize a new drug based on exendin-4.

November 2002: Protection from Thiomersal suits

In November 2002, congressional Republicans inserted a provision into a domestic security bill, protecting Eli Lilly from federal suits alleging that the drug, Thiomersal caused autism and other neurological disorders in children.

2002: Generic versions of Prozac appear after 2002

After 2002, generic versions of Prozac appeared.

2003: Introduction of Cialis

In 2003, Eli Lilly and Company introduced Cialis (tadalafil), as a competitor to Pfizer's Viagra for erectile dysfunction.

October 2004: FDA Boxed Warning on Antidepressants

In October 2004, the FDA added a boxed warning to all antidepressant drugs regarding use in children, citing increased risk of suicidal events.

2004: Introduction of Cymbalta

In 2004, Eli Lilly introduced Cymbalta (duloxetine), a drug used to treat clinical depression.

April 2005: Approval of Exenatide

In April 2005, Exenatide, the first of the GLP-1 receptor agonists, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

October 2005: John C. Lechleiter becomes president and chief operating officer

In October 2005, John C. Lechleiter had served as Lilly's president and chief operating officer

December 2005: Eli Lilly Pleads Guilty to Illegal Promotion of Evista

In December 2005, Eli Lilly and Company agreed to plead guilty and pay $36 million in connection with the illegal promotion of the drug Evista, which included training sales representatives to promote Evista for unapproved uses and concealing disclosures about its effectiveness.

October 2006: Lilly announces intention to acquire Icos

In October 2006, Eli Lilly and Company announced its intention to acquire Icos for $2.1 billion, or $32 per share.

December 2006: Lilly acquires Icos Corporation

In December 2006, Lilly bought Icos in order to gain full control of the product Cialis.

2006: Lilly Settles Prozac Lawsuits

In 2006, Eli Lilly paid $700 million to settle around 8,000 lawsuits related to Prozac.

2006: FDA Expands Boxed Warning to Young Adults

In 2006, the FDA expanded its boxed warning on antidepressant drugs to include adults aged 25 or younger, due to increased risk of suicidal events.

January 2007: Lilly completes the acquisition of Icos

In January 2007, Eli Lilly and Company completed the acquisition of Icos after Icos' shareholders approved Lilly's offer.

December 2007: CMC Biopharmaceuticals A/S bought the Bothell, Washington-based biologics facility from Lilly

In December 2007, CMC Biopharmaceuticals A/S (CMC) bought the Bothell, Washington-based biologics facility from Eli Lilly and Company and retained the existing 127 employees.

2007: Additional Prozac Lawsuit Settlements

In early 2007, Eli Lilly settled around 18,000 additional suits for $500 million, bringing the total Lilly had paid to settle suits related to Prozac to $1.2 billion.

March 2008: Settlement with Alaska

In March 2008, Eli Lilly settled a suit with the state of Alaska regarding its marketing practices.

March 2008: Sidney Taurel retires as CEO

In March 2008, Sidney Taurel retired as CEO, but remained as chairman of the board until December 31, 2008.

April 2008: John C. Lechleiter becomes CEO and president

Effective April 1, 2008, John C. Lechleiter was elected as Lilly's CEO and president.

August 2008: Acquisition of Bovine Growth Hormone Rights

In August 2008, Eli Lilly purchased the right to manufacture bovine growth hormone from Monsanto, which is used to increase milk production in dairy cattle. Use of the supplement has become controversial due to animal ethics and human health concerns.

October 2008: Settlement with States and D.C.

In October 2008, Eli Lilly agreed to pay $62 million to 32 states and the District of Columbia to settle suits brought under state consumer protection laws.

December 2008: Sidney Taurel retires as chairman of the board

On December 31, 2008, Sidney Taurel retired as chairman of the board.

2008: Research projects within the Innovative Medicines Initiative

In 2008, Lilly's activities included research projects within the framework of the Innovative Medicines Initiative, a public-private research initiative in Europe that is a joint effort of the EFPIA and the European Commission.

2008: Consortium secures budget for project

In 2008, a consortium, which included Lilly S.A. in Switzerland, secured an €8 million budget for a 40-month project coordinated by the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA).

January 2009: Criminal fine imposed on Lilly for illegal marketing of Zyprexa

In January 2009, the largest criminal fine in U.S. history, totaling $1.415 billion, was imposed on Eli Lilly and Company for illegal marketing of its best-selling product, Zyprexa.

2009: Illegally marketing Zyprexa

In 2009, Lilly pleaded guilty to illegally marketing Zyprexa and was penalized $1.415 billion. This included a criminal fine of $515 million, the largest ever in a healthcare case at the time.

2009: Qui Tam Lawsuits Filed

In 2009, four sales representatives for Eli Lilly filed separate qui tam lawsuits against the company for illegally marketing Zyprexa for uses not approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

2010: Zyprexa patent expires

In 2010, the patent for Zyprexa expired.

January 2011: Global agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim

In January 2011, Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company announced a global agreement to jointly develop and market new APIs for diabetes therapy.

2012: Increase in Insulin Prices

From 2012 to 2016, the annual cost of insulin for people with type 1 diabetes in the US almost doubled, from $2,900 to $5,700.

September 2013: NAFTA Lawsuit Against Canada

In September 2013, Eli Lilly sued Canada for violating its obligations to foreign investors under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) by allowing its courts to invalidate patents for Strattera and Zyprexa.

April 2014: Acquisition of Novartis AG's animal health business

In April 2014, Eli Lilly and Company announced plans to acquire Switzerland-based Novartis AG's animal health business for $5.4 billion in cash to strengthen and diversify its Elanco unit.

2014: Introduction of Trulicity

In 2014, Eli Lilly introduced Trulicity (dulaglutide), a diabetes drug that became one of the company's primary revenue drivers.

March 2015: Collaboration with Hanmi Pharmaceutical and Innovent Biologics

In March 2015, Eli Lilly and Company announced it would join Hanmi Pharmaceutical in developing and commercializing Hanmi's phase I Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor HM71224. A day later, the company announced another deal with China's Innovent Biologics to co-develop and commercialize at least three of Innovent's treatments over the next decade.

April 2015: Engagement of CBRE Group to sell biomanufacturing facility

In April 2015, Eli Lilly and Company engaged CBRE Group to sell its biomanufacturing facility in Vacaville, California.

July 2016: Lechleiter Retirement and Succession

In July 2016, it was announced that Lechleiter would retire from Eli Lilly, and David Ricks was voted to succeed him in his position.

2016: Increase in Insulin Prices

From 2012 to 2016, the annual cost of insulin for people with type 1 diabetes in the US almost doubled, from $2,900 to $5,700.

January 2017: Elanco's acquisition of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.

In January 2017, Elanco Animal Health, a subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, completed the acquisition of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.'s U.S. feline, canine, and rabies vaccines portfolio.

March 2017: Acquisition of CoLucid Pharmaceuticals

In March 2017, Eli Lilly and Company acquired CoLucid Pharmaceuticals for $960 million, obtaining the late clinical-stage migraine therapy candidate, lasmiditan.

August 2017: Licensing of varespladib to Ophirex

In August 2017, Eli Lilly and Company and Shionogi jointly licensed their product varespladib to Ophirex for Ophirex's novel snakebite treatment program.

2017: Lilly Loses NAFTA Case

In 2017, Eli Lilly ultimately lost its NAFTA case against Canada regarding the invalidation of patents for Strattera and Zyprexa.

February 2018: FDA Updates Antidepressant Warnings

In February 2018, the FDA ordered an update to the warnings on antidepressant drugs based on statistical evidence from twenty-four trials, which indicated the risk of adverse events increased from two percent to four percent relative to placebo trials.

May 2018: Acquisition of Armo Biosciences and AurKa Pharma

In May 2018, Eli Lilly and Company acquired Armo Biosciences for $1.6 billion. Days later, the company announced it would acquire Aurora kinase A inhibitor developer AurKa Pharma.

January 2019: Acquisition of Loxo Oncology

In January 2019, Eli Lilly and Company announced it would acquire Loxo Oncology for $235 per share, valuing the business at around $8 billion, which significantly expanded the business's oncology offerings. The deal gave Lilly Loxo's oral TRK inhibitor, Vitrakvi (Larotrectinib), LOXO-292, an oral proto-oncogene receptor tyrosine kinase rearranged during transfection (RET) inhibitor, LOXO-305, an oral Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, and LOXO-195, a follow-on TRK inhibitor.

January 2019: Lawmakers Question Insulin Pricing

In January 2019, lawmakers from the United States House of Representatives sent letters to Eli Lilly and other insulin manufacturers asking for explanations for their rapidly raising insulin prices.

August 2019: Elanco acquired the Bayer animal health business

In August 2019, Elanco acquired the Bayer animal health business for $7.6 billion.

January 2020: Acquisition of Dermira

In January 2020, Eli Lilly and Company announced its acquisition of Dermira for $1.1 billion, gaining control of lebrikizumab and other assets.

January 2020: Publication of "The Zyprexa Papers"

In January 2020, lawyer James Gottstein published "The Zyprexa Papers," detailing legal activities surrounding Zyprexa and its impact on the political landscape of psychiatry and antipsychiatry in the US.

June 2020: First study of monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19

In June 2020, Eli Lilly and Company, in collaboration with AbCellera, began the world's first study of a potential monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19, with a Phase 1 trial of LY-CoV555.

August 2020: Creation of mobile research units

In August 2020, Eli Lilly and Company created the first of many customized recreational vehicles into mobile research units (MRU) to support mobile labs and clinical trial material preparation, in response to outbreaks of the virus at long-term care facilities across the U.S.

September 2020: Partnership with Amgen to manufacture COVID-19 antibody therapies

In September 2020, Amgen announced that they had partnered with Eli Lilly and Company to manufacture their COVID-19 antibody therapies.

October 2020: Results of NIH ACTIV-3 clinical trial for bamlanivimab

Also in October 2020, Eli Lilly and Company announced that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) ACTIV-3 clinical trial evaluating its monoclonal antibody, bamlanivimab (LYCoV555), found that bamlanivimab was not effective in treating people hospitalized with COVID-19.

October 2020: Filing for EUA for COVID-19 antibody cocktail and acquisition of Disarm Therapeutics

In October 2020, Eli Lilly and Company announced that its antibody cocktail was effective and that it had filed with the FDA for an emergency use authorization (EUA) for it. In the same month, Lilly announced it would acquire Disarm Therapeutics for $135 million plus a further $1.225 billion based on regulatory and commercial milestones.

November 2020: FDA issues EUA for bamlanivimab

In November 2020, the FDA issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for Eli Lilly and Company's investigational monoclonal antibody therapy bamlanivimab for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adult and pediatric patients.

December 2020: Acquisition of Prevail Therapeutics Inc.

In December 2020, Eli Lilly and Company announced it would acquire Prevail Therapeutics Inc. for $1 billion, boosting its pipeline in neurodegenerative disease gene therapies.

March 2021: Sex Discrimination Accusation

In March 2021, Eli Lilly and Company was accused of sex discrimination by a former lobbyist who claimed she was forced to work in a sexually hostile work environment.

April 2021: FDA revokes EUA for bamlanivimab

In April 2021, the FDA revoked the emergency use authorization (EUA) that allowed the investigational monoclonal antibody therapy bamlanivimab to be used for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and certain pediatric patients.

May 2021: FDA accepted Lilly's application for Tyvyt (sintilimab)

On May 18 2021, the FDA accepted Eli Lilly and Company's application for Tyvyt (sintilimab), in combination with Lilly's own Alimta (pemetrexed) and platinum chemotherapy for newly diagnosed nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer.

June 2021: Sex Discrimination Lawsuit Settled

In June 2021, Eli Lilly settled the sex discrimination lawsuit filed by a former lobbyist for an undisclosed amount.

July 2021: Acquisition of Protomer Technologies

In July 2021, Eli Lilly and Company announced it would acquire Protomer Technologies for more than $1 billion.

September 2021: Age Discrimination Lawsuit

In September 2021, Eli Lilly and Company was accused in a federal court lawsuit of discriminating against older applicants for sales positions based on their implementation of hiring quotas for millennials.

2021: Court Motion Filed Regarding Drug Pricing

In 2021, Eli Lilly filed a court motion in response to an advisory opinion from the Department of Health and Human Services about offering reduced pricing to covered outpatient drugs.

January 2022: Pause of COVID-19 antibody drug distribution

In January 2022, distribution of Lilly's COVID-19 antibody drug was paused due to lack of efficacy against the emerging omicron variant.

February 2022: Emergency Use Authorization for bebtelovimab

In February 2022, a second COVID-19 monoclonal antibody therapy, bebtelovimab, developed with AbCellera, was granted Emergency Use Authorization, with the U.S. government committing to a $720 million purchase of up to 600,000 doses.

May 2022: FDA approval of Mounjaro

In May 2022, the FDA approved Lilly's type 2 diabetes drug Mounjaro (tirzepatide).

August 2022: Concerns over Indiana abortion ban

In August 2022, following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, Lilly stated that Indiana's near-total abortion ban would make it difficult to attract talent to the state and that it would be forced to look for "more employment growth" elsewhere.

October 2022: Acquisition of Akouos Inc.

In October 2022, Eli Lilly announced it would acquire Akouos Inc. for $487 million in upfront and $123 million deferred payments.

November 2022: Twitter Impersonation and Insulin Pricing

In November 2022, renewed attention was brought to Eli Lilly's pricing of insulin after a verified Twitter account impersonating Eli Lilly posted on Twitter that insulin would now be free.

2022: Expansion of collaboration with Innovent

In 2022, the collaboration between Eli Lilly and Company and Innovent Biologics was expanded.

January 2023: Collaboration and license agreement with TRexBio

In January 2023, Lilly and TRexBio announced a collaboration and license agreement for three assets to treat immune-mediated diseases. TRexBio received an upfront payment of $55 million as part of this deal.

March 2023: $35 cap on monthly insulin price

In March 2023, Eli Lilly announced a $35 cap on the price of monthly insulin to be put in place immediately in order to be in line with the Inflation Reduction Act.

July 2023: Acquisition of Versanis

In July 2023, Lilly announced it would acquire Versanis for $1.93 billion.

October 2023: Acquisition of Point Biopharma

In October 2023, Eli Lilly acquired Point Biopharma for $1.4 billion.

November 2023: FDA approval of tirzepatide for obesity

In November 2023, the FDA approved tirzepatide for the treatment of obesity under the brand name Zepbound.

March 2024: Deal with Amazon for home delivery

In March 2024, Lilly announced a deal with Amazon to offer home delivery of certain medications for diabetes, obesity, and migraines, on behalf of LillyDirect.

October 2024: Eli Lilly becomes most valuable drug company

As of October 2024, tirzepatide's success as a blockbuster weight-loss drug had transformed Eli Lilly into the most valuable drug company in the world with a $842 billion market capitalization, the highest valuation ever achieved by a drug company to date.

October 2024: Lilly's Market Capitalization

In October 2024, Eli Lilly became the world's most valuable drug company, reaching a market capitalization of $842 billion, which is the highest valuation ever for a drug company.